The Education Foundation of Downers Grove District 58 has once again teamed up with two local nonprofits -- the Downers Grove Rotary Club and the Downers Grove Roadrunners Soccer Club -- to host the Grove Express 5K on Thursday, Nov. 24 at 8:30 a.m. in downtown Downers Grove. The Grove Express 5K is Downers Grove’s annual Thanksgiving family run/walk, and a portion of the proceeds will benefit District 58 students.
While the Grove Express 5K officially started last year, it continues in the proud tradition of its longstanding predecessor race, the Bonfield Express 5K. Participants can run or walk the 5K route (3.1 miles) at their own pace with friends, family and a community of participants. Registration is required. Individuals can register online at www.groveexpress.com. The fee to compete is $35 per participant through Nov. 6, $40 from Nov. 7-18, and $45 from Nov. 19-24. Participants will receive a traditional race packet and a commemorative race T-shirt.
In order to be a success, the Grove Express 5K needs volunteers! Please click here to sign up or email GroveExpress.5k.volunteer@gmail.com with questions.
This Thanksgiving Day race event is one of the largest 5K races in DuPage County and has attracted over 6,000 runners as recently as 2019. The event features a fun morning of activities held on the USATF-certified course throughout historic Downtown Downers Grove.
The proceeds from the 2022 Grove Express 5K Run/Walk will benefit three Downers Grove organizations: the Education Foundation of Downers Grove District 58, Rotary Club and Roadrunners Soccer Club, and proceeds will be invested in the community through education and youth programs. This investment is similar to the Grove Express’s predecessor race, the Bonfield Express 5K.
Since the Bonfield Express Foundation was founded in 2004, it has given back over $966,000 in scholarships and funding to area schools. For the past several years (including 2022), the Bonfield Express Foundation has annually donated $13,000 to District 58 schools (or, $1,000 for each District school) to celebrate student achievement. In addition, Grove Express funding supported the Education Foundation’s programs. Last year, the Downers Grove Roadrunners also donated $12,500 of Grove Express funding to support District 58 special education classroom enhancements.
“District 58 is very grateful for the support and resources it has received thanks to the Grove Express 5K and its predecessor, the Bonfield Express 5K,” said Superintendent Dr. Kevin Russell. “District 58 appreciates the strong partnerships between the schools and community!”
To find out more about the Grove Express 5K, email info@groveexpress.com or visit www.groveexpress.com.